View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Hal behave around the women?

2. What is Hal's profession?

3. What does Millie say that Hal talked about this afternoon?

4. With whom does Rosemary dance aggressively?

5. On what American holiday does PICNIC begin?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hal enter the scene to talk to Madge?

2. What is the mood between Howard and Rosemary when they arrive home?

3. What are the circumstances that let Madge and Hal alone?

4. How does Howard evade the marriage question at least temporarily?

5. Explain how Millie and Madge have exchanged roles in Act 2.

6. How does Act 2 begin?

7. What is the setting of Act 3, Scene 2?

8. Alan had indicated to Madge that he had "taken care of" Hal. What does Madge learn that that means?

9. Who is Rosemary and what is her outward opinion of men?

10. How does the author use the technique of irony regarding Rosemary's perceptions of Hal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study on Madge. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 664 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample